Candles will twinke and voices will soar in celebration of the holiday season at the historic candlelight services that return to Summerall Chapel this Dec. The 76th annual Christmas Candlelight Services at The Citadel will be held at 7:30p.m., Dec. 6 – 8, 2013. All are welcome to attend one of the three services; however, seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

During the services lights will be extinguished and candles will glow as cadets from the Protestant, Catholic and Gospel Choirs, together with The Citadel Chorale and members of The Citadel Regimental Band perform. It is a tradition that started in 1937.

“Every graduate knows that The Citadel thrives on tradition. One of the oldest traditions of the modern Citadel era is the Annual Christmas Candlelight Service,” said Chaplain Joel Harris, lieutenant colonel, USA (Retired). “The service dates to December 1937 when the Corps of Cadets gathered in what was then the new Cadet Chapel. They were accompanied by the new organ and the Cadet Glee Club sang carols together with the faculty, staff and families to usher in the Christmas season. For many in  the community this service has become a regular part of their holiday season tradition.”

Chaplain Harris added that conventional Christmas hyms and international holiday favorites will be sung during the 1-hour services. A special highlight is the Corps of Cadets' Procession of Lights. The hour-long program is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted which support the maintenance of the chapel. Flash cameras and video lights are not permitted.